lacveJuly 22nd, 6 PM, Le Chalet Basque was unusually alive and active. It was a Monday, and the restaurant is normally closed. But, Linda was presenting her new book, and everyone she knew showed up! Her Mom was there, along with her Aunt who lives in Montana. Her sister Tracy, the "champion in the backstroke" who helped Linda edit the manuscript, heard her words being read out loud. Linda's cousin Pam, who never misses these events represented the rest of the family. The Mud Sharks came out to support Linda, and to hear what had been said about them. No worries, i's all good!

Linda greeted everyone in her blue lace, water-colored dress, but then changed into her Mermaid outfit resplendent with a "ridiculous bow" covering one shoulder. As one friend exclaimed, "It's so out-of character, yet in-character!"
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Long Course Champs were held July 19-21. I swam Saturday and Sunday. Saturday was not my best day. I felt great, was happy to swim my events, but didn't swim very well: many seconds slower than usual on my 200 back! No explanation, just slower. As a consolation, fifth place ribbons are a beautiful, bright green. Slightly depressed, I went home Saturday night and had a fleeting thought: "I don't have to go back tomorrow!!"
But that would be quitting and I'm not a quitter. Besides, my team, The Rolling Hills Mud Sharks, are depending on me to be there for the relays.
I am so glad I went back on Sunday! I placed third in the 50 fly, the 50 breast and the 100 free, with very respectable times. I won my 100 backstroke!!! Yeah!! I helped The Mud Sharks win 2nd place for small teams (out of 33 teams) with only 9 swimmers! Even though I'm not always personally victorious, I still love swimming.